Ombudsman for Equality

Network of national gender equality bodies of EU Member States

Since 2006, a network of national gender equality bodies of the Member States has been in operation in the EU, led by the European Commission. Finland is represented in the network by the Ombudsman for Equality.

The network monitors the level of gender equality regulation in the European Union and discusses any needs for change. In the meetings of the network, representatives of the national gender equality bodies exchange experiences on the implementation of national legislation on gender equality and share information on best practices to promote gender equality.

Equality issues to be addressed by the network are chosen annually from among specific thematic areas. The theme for the year 2008 was elimination of unjustified differences in pay between women and men. The theme for 2009 was the equality legislation concerning the availability and provision of goods and services.